Resources

Questions about how to start the process or education on medications or how to start the process? We’ve got you covered. Hopefully the information found here will help you learn more and ask questions about your journey. There are no “dumb questions”. Also remember, we are always a phone call away.

Steps for weight loss treatment:

1.       Schedule a free-15 minutes phone/virtual appointment with the scheduling link or phone call

2.       Check your email to complete intake and consent forms to fill out prior your appointment (this will make your personalized recommendations faster/easier.

3.       Our Provider will contact you by phone at the scheduled appointment time.

4.       If qualified for the program, an in-person visit will be scheduled to start the process. (during this visit, your basic health and physical history, and body fat analysis will be recorded to establish a baseline).

Receiving Treatment/Medications:

Medications are obtained from 2 local compound pharmacies and are delivered to our clinic. You will receive medications monthly in weekly-dosed syringes.  Education with returned demonstration will be completed prior to the first dose. Of course, we will be available if you prefer to stop by weekly to receive your medications. We also offer delivery by mail or in-person (within 10 miles from our location) at an extra charge.

 

What is a compound pharmacy? Compounding is generally a practice in which a licensed pharmacist, a licensed physician, or, in the case of an outsourcing facility, a person under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, combines, mixes, or alters ingredients of a drug to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient. A compound pharmacy is one that mixes individualized medications based on a prescription as opposed to a mass-produced medication that is delivered to the retail pharmacy.

Monitoring progress:

We advise meeting in person every 4 weeks for dose change/increase and to check the progress. During this visit, your weight and vital signs will be recorded. You will meet with a provider to change/increase your dose or address any questions you might have. Please do not wait for an appointment of you experience life-threatening reactions. Call 911 or contact our office immediately.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Office hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30am-5:30pm (please plan to arrive 20mn prior to closing time).

What are GLP-1 Weight loss injections? GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1  It is a receptor agonist located in the pancreas, and its function is to stimulate insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, and regulate appetite. GLP-1 weight loss injections bond to these receptors, which can lower patients’ blood sugar and suppress patients’ appetite. GLP-1 weight loss injections are not an insulin substitute and should not be used as such.

Syringe size: We use the 31G 1cc 5/16” syringe. They are the thinnest and smallest you can get. Also known as “insulin syringes”. They are painless and can be used safely at home without complications.

Receiving medications: after the first provider assessment. Commonly on the same visit unless additional lab work/testing is needed.

Self-injecting medications: we will show you how on your first visit. It’s easier than you think.

Storing injectable medications: It is essential to refrigerate your medications to maintain their stability and effectiveness. The active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, is sensitive to temperature and can degrade if not stored properly. Refrigeration helps to slow down the degradation process and ensures that the medication remains potent.

Dosing injectable medications for weight loss (Glp-1): the FDA recommends starting low and increasing gradually every month. The start-up dose is 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks. The dose is increased to 5 mg weekly on your 5th dose onwards. If appetite suppression is achieved and no side effects are experienced, we will stay on that dose. In the contrary, a dose adjustment will be done progressively.

How does GLP-1 (Semaglutide/Mounjaro) work? Research shows that these medications help the body adjust to maintain a lower body weight. They help lose fat and keep it off for sustained long-term weight loss.

 

What do I do when I achieve my goal weight?  You may stop the medication altogether, but some patients continue to take 2.5 mg or 5 mg every 2-4 weeks to maintain appetite suppression.

Common side effects of Semaglutide: constipation and stomach upset are common side effects but generally manageable with over-the-counter medications. Remember to eat slowly and smaller portions. Overeating will cause you to have more stomach upset. Contact our office if you develop worried about symptoms.

Do you need Vitamin B12 while on Semaglutide? Semaglutide and Vitamin B12 together can help improve your metabolism and improve your weight loss success. By compounding Semaglutide with B12, you will experience enhanced energy levels, less fatigue, and enhanced well-being. Another advantage of compounding with B12 is improved blood sugar control. Semaglutide + B12 stimulates insulin production and reduces glucose production.

Price/Cost/ Payments: We do not accept insurance! no commitments, contracts or start-up fees are required. You are welcome to pay as you go, monthly for your treatments. Initial in-person visit with optional 3-D body scan are optional. Prices of treatment vary and depend on the dose prescribed. We will be offering specials and promotions occasionally on our website. We accept CCD/Debit cards, Zelle, cash or PayPal.

 

Helpful tips:

1.    Limit self-weighing at home to once a week, using the same clothing and time. (ex. In the morning before a shower after emptying the bladder on Mondays)

2.    Get a digital bathroom scale to measure body fat and muscle mass to see the trends in your body composition. Scales range in price and are affordable.  You can get one on Amazon for approximately $30.

3.    Add a tolerable daily physical activity. This will help reaching your weight loss goals faster. A 30-minute walk daily 4-5 days a week is a good start.

4.      No strict diet required but avoid empty calories. Avoid emotional eating ONLY eat when hungry. Prioritize protein intake daily.